ROSEMONT, Ill. — Bemidji State University Softball faced a narrow 4-3 defeat against Ferris State and a tough challenge against Purdue Northwest, falling 9-2 in their latest matchups at the Lewis Dome.
In the first game against Ferris State, the Beavers kicked off on a promising note.
Calleigh Richards earned a walk and advanced on
Jackie Larsen's strategic sacrifice bunt.
Alayna DeGraef then delivered a clutch single up the middle, driving in Richards to give Bemidji State an early 1-0 advantage at the close of the first inning. However, Ferris State answered back in the fourth inning as Alexis Kozlo's groundout to shortstop enabled Ella McDonal to score from third, leveling the game at 1-1.
Bemidji State reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning.
Josie Kappes initiated the offense with a single, followed by Richards drawing another walk. Larsen's single to center brought Kappes home, and
Brianna Ness's single down the left-field line allowed Larsen to score, pushing Bemidji State ahead 3-1 after six. But in the bottom half of the sixth, Ferris State closed the gap with Ava Gardner's single driving in Jayden Marla, cutting Bemidji State's lead to 3-2.
The seventh inning saw Ferris State pull ahead. Addison Wang walked and scored on Molly Verslu's sacrifice bunt, while Emma Gillard crossed home on a single by Ella McDonal, securing a 4-3 victory for the Bulldogs. On the mound,
Danica Sarff led Bemidji State's pitching efforts with 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and three walks.
Keira Lucero took over, pitching 3 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out one. Despite inheriting three runners, Lucero effectively managed a double play and recorded seven groundouts, highlighting solid infield defense.
Richards showcased her versatility with a triple and two walks, contributing a run. Larsen added an RBI and a run while executing a successful sacrifice. DeGraef chipped in with an RBI hit and Ness contributed an RBI with a timely two-out hit. Bemidji State's record stood at 0-5 after this game.
In the next matchup against Purdue Northwest, the Beavers faced a tougher challenge, falling 9-2. Purdue Northwest set the tone early with two runs in the first inning. K. Dugan singled, stole second, and scored, followed by A. DeBoer's RBI single, giving them a quick 2-0 lead. Bemidji State answered back in the second inning when
Aubrey Aukerman singled and showcased her speed by stealing home, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
The third inning saw Purdue Northwest stretch their lead with a sacrifice fly by O. Hernandez, an RBI single by J. Toro, and an RBI triple from E. Fair, increasing their lead to 5-1. Another run came in the fourth from a sacrifice fly by K. Madura, pushing the score to 6-1. In the fifth inning, Purdue Northwest capitalized on a Bemidji State error, tacking on three unearned runs with a triple by A. DeBoer. The Beavers replied with
Jackie Larsen's single bringing in
Josie Kappes, closing the inning at 9-2.
The sixth and seventh innings went scoreless, with Bemidji State unable to close the gap, resulting in Purdue Northwest's 9-2 victory. S. Klusman pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits, with two strikeouts and one walk. B. Ness took over for another 2 1/3 innings, giving up one earned run on seven hits and one walk. T. Hessian finished with a strong 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, conceding just two hits and striking out two.
In terms of player contributions, J. Larsen had a hit, an RBI, and two stolen bases. A. Aukerman added a hit, a run, and a stolen base to her performance, while M. Benedict chipped in with a hit and caught a runner stealing. Following these two games, Bemidji State's overall record now stands at 0-5, while Ferris State improved to 4-5 and Purdue Northwest stands at 1-1. Up next, the Beavers will take on Roosevelt University on Friday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Rosemont Dome in Rosemont, Illinois.
For more information on the Bemidji State Softball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversSB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSB).
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
